NOAA Enlists Help from U.S. Army Reserve to Accomplish Science Missions off North Carolina

NOAA scientists teamed up with soldiers from the U.S. Army Reserve to conduct research off the North Carolina coast. The research was conducted aboard the Army vessel Missionary Ridge, a 175-foot landing craft utility. While approximately 40 miles off the North Carolina coast, Army reservists completed drill training while NOAA researchers collected fish and algae samples.

The samples will provide much needed support for research on harmful algal blooms, aquaculture environmental interactions, and ocean chemistry. It is estimated that this partnership resulted in savings of over $10,000 to NOAA while providing a unique opportunity for Army reservists to conduct training exercises.